Fellowship award for Church Army Evangelist

News Release: 22 June 2010

Church Army Evangelist, Syd Henderson, has been awarded the highest honour by Hinckley Rotary Club for his work in the town.

On 15 June, Syd was invited along to Hinckley Rotary Club by his Salvation Army colleague in the town, Major Julian Rowley, who prepared him by saying "Get ready to say thanks". Syd said: “I thought that it would a simple funding donation for the St Francis Community Centre or Street Pastors. I was wrong!”

He was awarded a 'Paul Harris Fellowship Award' (given in recognition for service to the community or the Club), which is the highest honour Rotary Clubs can give, for his work in Hinckley both at the Centre, with young people on the streets and Street Pastors.

“I received the award with surprise and shock," said Syd, "as I had no idea it would be anything other than a donation. I am honoured to receive such a prestigious award and will continue with the work for as long as I am in the area. I mentioned that both the St. Francis Community Centre and Street Pastors are team efforts and I receive the award on behalf of the teams. I am gratified that the work done by the voluntary sector - especially the churches - is being noticed and honoured in this way.”

Greg Drodz, Rotary President, said that as he lived in the area near the Club he could see the change in the community due to Syd’s leadership and example, and mentioned Street Pastors and its influence in the town centre.

On a Friday night, Syd leads a 'traditional' youth club at the St Francis Community Centre, before moving onto his role as a street pastor. Syd explains how he works in partnership with the council, the police, churches and the Elements nightclub. The latter now hosts a regular night for under-18s, where they can get the experience of a nightclub without alcohol.

Outside the club, Syd and the other street pastors are available throughout the night as a listening ear for young people needing someone to talk to, and a helping hand for those on their way home after a night on the town. Syd puts the good rapport between street pastors and young people down to the fact that the pastors are always there for the young people, come rain or shine.

Greg Drodz emphasised that “Although Syd works as a part of a team, his leadership and example have changed the face of the community around the St. Francis Community Centre, changed people's perceptions of young people as well as a lasting change to the town itself.”

Go to our Meet the People page to read more about Syd's work.